A simple day at home

Today we stayed home as we do a lot lately.  Mom came over around 11:30 and brought McDonald's (big Mac meals - I've obviously not gotten out of the eating whatever I want mode) for lunch.  We played and played.  Kate didn't take any substantial naps which was a little frustrating, but she's down at 6:30 and hopefully will sleep really well.

Deane was obsessed with colors today and learned black ("back") today.  He's cuddling his dad and asking to watch Roary the Racing Car repeatedly (which sounds like "rwee").  He really just wants to hear the song over and over again.

Tonight's dinner was borrowed from "A Year of Slow Cooking" with my variations:

CrockPot Broccoli Beef
Ingredients:
--3/4 lb thin beef
--1/4 cup soy sauce
--2 T apple cider vinegar
--1 T brown sugar
--2 t sesame oil
--2 cloves smashed and chopped garlic
--1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes
--1 bag thawed broccoli florets (to add later)
Directions:
--add the liquid to the crockpot
--chop up your garlic, add to mixture
--stir in spices
--slice meat into thin strips
--toss ( I used my hands. it wasn't gross! )in the liquid and spice mixture to coat thoroughly
--cook on low for 6-8 hours, depending on the cut of meat. Thicker pieces will take longer to tenderize.
--an hour before serving, add entire bag of broccoli, cover and cook on high for another hour or so
--stir gingerly to coat broccoli
serve over steamed rice.

Verdict:  I thought it was a bit vinegary.  I didn't use the 2T white wine it called for; maybe that would have made a difference.  Chris thought it could have been a little sweeter.  I'd give it a 5.5/6.